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jJanger Point Light 



AN ENTIRELY ORIGINAL 



PROTEAN yVlELODI\AMA 



In Three Acts 



by 



George W Batjeman 






CINCINNATI : PRINTED BY THE AUTHOR 

Copyrighted January 1882 by George W Bateman 







. 



J 






TNIP92-008628 



•^ k, i,^ 



*<> 



DANGEK POINT LIGnT. 



CHARACTERS 

Old Thornton [Old Man bus noes] _ 
Harry Burleigh (his nephew) * fcJt . 

a^uminK disgu.K-8 -I V— — STARTAET. 

{ Teddy I«lynn [IiihIi business] 

< Waiter [Neat Colored bus ties*^ — 
(.Arthur Purspul [Swell business/]-!;. 

LAWYER l.'AYNHAM ...TTravy. 

Bill J orsitt ) character Heavies. 

Dick Cowler__ > > 

Old Lerder German Comedy. 

Johnny Harvey --* thy Comedy, 

Harriet Thornton Beading Lady. 

Tilly: Lebder -— '-, Soubrctte. 

The Cook \jnay be double! hj Lerderja S< eo< d Old Man. 

Jack " 4 * J.dnn.y. Utility. 

Housekeeper " " Td!y Old Woman. 

Small Parts, Guests, Etc. 



Scesb.— Xcw Jersey (feast Pexjod.— The IVcscnt Day, 



daxcer foist light. 



act i.— Tin: crmiE. 

SCEXE I. — Wcod rx I. Ehvuts for rise of Curtain. Merry farmer hoys and girh 
cross font L., talklnj and l<ni hina, <n,<t exeunt R. 
EnUr Johnny. L. 

J. C me alone-, Tilly } lurry un a bit, or 1 ii oe d< g-goned if all the fun won't- 
be over 'lore we get there, (k c) 

Enter TrtLY, slate 1 //, h. 

T. {pettishly) Oh. I don't think I want to go at al, ! (r,. c) 

J. W'u-i-i! d m't want to go to a |»iit> at Dinger Point Joire, w'len we've bin 
*p r-uilly invite I by Squire fborn'on ii iih- f— un<t Miss 11. met a-tellin' you we 
must c me? And it's hi-? sixty eighth b rthday, to<- ! 

T. Wei. I <lout sec as i.i- sixty-eigh b biithd-iy : s nn> thing retna k ;hl • — ':e 
Was sixty-seven laet year ; it he'd been s .xfy-six- this, it might uave been extra- 
Oidin ny. 

J. .Now, lo)k here. Tilly, th re's Pometbin' wrong with you; and 1 think y^u'd 
Ought er U II a f Her as loves y- u .-h nm h as I <lo. 

T. No. Johnny Harvey, you do.it l^ve me a bit ! I you d d, I'd be all right, 

J. Why, Tillj ! 

T. Do .'t tell ui j ! What did you do the other night, when we Were sitting in 
the ganle.,? 

J. Nothin a? off nd d vo-i. T hope? 

T. Well, tel me what y ii d d, anyhow. 

J. Why, I just p< t an' i tr y -n II up with my eyes. 

T. ll'ui ! and what did you s y? 

J. Why, I to .1 y.>u 1 d Luifci; ^.i^e on you than on the pootiest ckromo I ever 
see — md so [ vvoud. 

T. Well? 

J. And then 1 pqneedged and squcedged your dear little hand, and— and mnybft 
( put my arm "i on ml \ er fcraUt. 

T. Well? was iJlUrII? 

J. Why^er-h-i me see 

T (ho// ' ciy':t.<j) Uj, yy, at biupid idiots some men are! You're blind enough to 
be led by a do- ! 

J. Hold ot a minute, and give a feller a ( ham e.— Oh, 1 know ! Why, thtn I 
— I — Lisped yi.u ! 

T. Ye«; itnd what dill v< u -ay yon did th-it for Z 

J To show you' how I hr e yon, <f < i.u -e. 

T. Tuere! that s just u h it s*ihe nirtti ! II r\ I've hung he' i"d ■ 1> th" othrr? 
to give you it cli nee to shogf me you hive me as nm h t< .- i:< y \ sot-liny) ami — and 

— j on — ihm't — s! ow— your— love— at — all i o.-^oo! 1 shall go right s raight 

ba< k home ag in (yoiny L ) 

J. Heavens ! s that nil ? Here, hold up a minute, ducky. (Puts arm anund her 
and kisses her numerously ) 

T. There, thai'ii do ! (ii-lywy hcrjnouth and crossing Ii.) I guess we/il go to the 
party now. 

J* (fol!ow>»q her) Say, Till \ I 

T. (at R. E) Wei? 

J. A'u t a your turn to sh^w h^w you love me now ? 

T. Johnny ! behave your-elf, s r J [Exeunt R. 

Eitrr Raynham, L. ivalks Inch and forth. 

R. Pah ! T:'s sick ning to any on- with an ounre of sense! An oil dofr-rl like 
T. or n ton, unable *o m. ke a bet'er us<- of h s money than in junketing w ; th hay- 
fee-Is on his birthd y ; while I the in .n o' brain?, w jo lo k alter the old fjol'g iu- 
tcrosis, haven t enough to pay a trifling bid wlncu falls due en this Ao/or/ d.iy. 



IT T p/>ntd ^n\v pet tint new tp'll, aid dr-cfny if ! (looking J, ) fT* ! h r ■ crimes 
«uy fine lady I'll settle with A/"* pome day. I'm in no uiuod to m et her now. 
I'll hide tili she pisses, (yoes behind form ntor L.) 

E.iler Harriet, L. 

IT. Ah, hrr^'s t!m place. No more approp-iate spot could he foil d. in w'.ioli f'k 
glance oyer poor II r \'s n°uly arrived letter, th i" here vv.V re w<- n-ed u» w,lk 
together. T : iere will t> ; no op <oruaitv tip at tli •• h u ' tii-liv. (• p n* h ttr) ''My 
darling!'' A'-, yes; I know 1 am. /)/7- 11 <n.\ ! (ki*srs letter and reads) 

I.'. {(isid') T.ih m y he fcirtnrfftt-.'i i, I en ti id oil \Vh ho sty-. 

II Wha ? 1^ it pos ihle. '! ' I hop- to pop in anil u r p"ise yon nil very soon,"' 
— =d 1 1 >r J 1 1 till ! — ' s I ii:ue almost succ. e I d in the ta k ! imposed on mys It." Uf 
course he,"!! smcc d (reads.) 

It. (aside) Sv> ! the whelp's (oai'n^ back, is he ? Then something must bo done 
at once. 

H. 11*1, ha ! you Tor-ie, yon! "My dear fririid Rayiiham will, doubile-s, be de- 
lighted tn lienr <-t my appr iaebirtj* rtn n." (r*</ffc.) 

il. (aside) Why, rertaiul* ; I'll prepare h.ni a warm reception, (tooMnj L) 
Why. wh il are these up to .' 

Euler Dill dnd Dick, c-iutiouslg. Ti. Dine sHrtds behind Harriet, Bill comes 

to her side, L. C. 

II. I»eg pirdon, m's'. 

II. (concealing teller an I turning quickly) S'r! 

I>. I'm a hi DTa >truijer ,\U ut L'eie, you seej an<l I'd bo much obliged if you'd 
direct me to the' mar st house, mum 

il. There is one ab ut halt - .nil • along this i nth. (pointing R.) 

B. Oh, merc\ 1 Haifa mile? Is that the in a. est? 

11. Yes. 

1> I'm so tired I'm afer 1 I'd never cret so far to-diy. Would it be trcub'in' ye 
too mm-li to a k ve fo the t me. nfH«'£ ? 

II. Not tall ( prodt/ces watch) I is 

l'>. {matching to itch) Her , give if to me, w'V you? I'll cairy this for you, and 
then I won t h v • to liother people for the hour. 

II. O ka me back mv w iteli, you vi 1 mi ! 

B. Ah, what ^o you t ke me for ! Von ratist b* crazy, my rlnotv cv< etnr, fo a<?k 
sech ridie'ln? tavo S. If yu want to kn \v the time, you can find out at th near, 

est house — ..bout half a aide along t lis h r pith. Hold oip a hit, th hi. h : !):» 

you happen to hive your po • kci-book h'ahdy, to bestow a tr fii on a poor but den- 
ser v in w nder.-v 9 

II. {putting rviht handm poclef) Ym di hon-s* rufil m, you ore not entitled to 
ftiv a s'st ti".- from me: bu* as I - l.vay* tra el prewired for emergencies^-; take 
thIs! '( pr ■dii"<'* rrrofr'r) 

W (.7^-///<7.s- /> A'. „„,/ w > s )y« .'tv ) A » 'ake tint ! Sony to appear aorupf, my 
b.au v. liui ic. i w.tvs travel pi\nued f*r eimrgeneKS alsj. 

K k I) II a. hi. h*<! 

lfc i'txide) I know thorn hfcw M »Te giod bick. 

II V .'til we, tt^e ! eow ; rd^! v-^ii h .ve rend red me d^enr^e-; hnt I am not 
afrai,) n f <w\\ , it f I nrhimfi as iiunr in ronples to alt ek one weik ghl ! 

I) Thunlr. i\{\[ vnu'n' m eit! but I imir a k. a< a pir irteluT f rat. that 
y.m'll pieige to dnw it kind o' mild. Not • s I cares, my^ If, for any amotant of 
It it il word fom fie o-e-t e so t -e Wse 1 I've bten married ye Me— ut mv pud- 
n r, the-p, h a veiy sei>'u.ve critcher, and it sort o' poea agin the gam w;ta hiia 
tj Kl <o led nam s f »r jest s infifv horiyin' FrV* 1 time o' d y 

T». H r , el^e^e ver nau.-r, D ek. and let's fnish 'Irs business, 

H. I tii k rou h'tre fiui J h"<b V'-u skulking coward-! 

I>. J minv CViYmis! Did it I -idv=e ye to dnw it mild? My pardner and 
mex fvvj n ;oT e n i •!*♦ ehristi-n ^nt emnn, a^ never m^ans no harm to nobo iy : 
soHvJ n-iti's \n i to h^nd ->ver v»r r>or-m >wni"r gojJ natured, Lke, aud spa.e ui 
a-hir'n' (oir d lik't fe^l'n'a "- f Mk ! n' it from you. 



II. 1 iv;ll not, Willing! v" Live you one cut. 

O.JO V 



, B. [seizing her) Go for hor t oekets, Dick ; I gue?S tbe folks at the neatest LtrtiSC 
Won't interfere. [DiCK searches for purse ) 

11. (aside) Tins will btlp me entirely, it's needless for me to interfere. 
Dick produces purse. Hill releases her, takes it and goes L. 

D. {step-ping back) Oh, thanks, pooty cr'tchcr, tor a our gentrousness ! Tiny al- 
low me lo wish you a very go< d even in'. (poi<ls R bowing) 

IT. {going R) You miserable curs ! I will try to remember you, if ever T see 
you again. [Exit R. 

B. You're welc me to the last word, now we've got your latt cent, (stands L. C. 
examining, pun-e ) 

i>. (locking of R , revolver in left hand behind him) Give our regrets at the half- 
mile bouse; we won't ocj a*de to call there this eve. (stands laughing.) 
Uaymiam crosses down guicl.h/, revolver, in left hand, seizes Dice's rtv^lver with right 
and stands (J. pointing a weapon at each. 

D. (instantly) S y I— 

Bill and Dick turn and confront RaynhaM. 

ft. The u\ v : l! Who are you 7 

D. Hanged if you ha'n't took my best bower, Cap., ard won the tr*<k. 

ft. Y<-*\ I've caught \ on very nicely, havtn'i 1? In the very act of highway 
robberv with violence.} 

D. Here, tH>e up i little, major, and let's reason with you a bit 

K. Uooie, < ome; you'll waste yi ur time reasoning w.th me, Dick Cowler, or you 
Cither. Bill For- in. 

B. Who ..r«- you railing Bill Fo'sitt? 

D. Giiess you've, kind o' j.ot us mixed up with some o' ycr other gentleman. 
frit n Is, ha'n't ye, colonel ? 

R. N i. 1 h iven't got you mixed up, exactly ; I have you at a respectable — and 
resp a « t ul— distance. 

B. Bur, look heie— ^- 

K. L s'eu to me a moment. Do you remember a little misfortune that orcurrctl 
to you two out west a tew years ago and the lawyer who got you cleat ed, tkoi gli 
he knew j ou m re <. U Ity, tor the sake of j ractiee ? 

B l.iiwv r kavnham ! 

U. Ex-act'y. 

1). V\ t.v, hang me if we ha'n't repaid you a hundred t'me? over with gratifdod) 

R. H'ni ! very kind; bdt i ow 1 require mote substantial payment. 

I) Ha id hru over the ticke , B.ll, and don't let's have no fuss about it. 

15. Well, but 

R. P»haw! Keep your tongues still, ard y ur crs open, till I ret throrgh. t 
1 aV3 some very important business on hand just m w,and you two have turned up 
in the very niek of time to assist ine. The, work 1 r qu'te of you is s'i i« t'y in your 
fedilinr line, and you will either undertake it or <. o with me immedht.]\ before 4 
magistrate and account for y< ur possession of tint lady's property. (takes stage L J 
Now, I know e.ich or you too w. 1 to ov> itix vour bravery, so — to eoi vime v n 
that the task is within your limited capacity ai d courage— I «ill explain that all 
you have to do is to ttep through an open window, take up a small package, auti 
walk out. 

D. Gosh I two on us oughter be able to get away with a job like that J 

B Bit what <lo v\e g t tor i% eh ? 

It. More th n you could ever exji-ct for so simp'e a service. I will g've you ivrti 
1 u id ed dol ars between y<-u within twelve hour3 after you have peifornud your 
task, and something better later. 

I). Eh ? That's >ort o' i ntic.u'. 

1>. Ye-, that sounds pooto teiuptin' ; but Fd lik to know what the r'ek h for. 

It. I w .1 eise >our minds, (comes C) Bri« fly, then, the g'rT you have j ist rebb d 
i^ the adbpted d. lighter cf an o'd simpleton who owns a b g pla^e up there (/?), 
and mor-- besides. He haa no rlations except a good for-;iothn_j ncpVw, and it 
is to foil him 1 aai wo.kin^. While uticud.ng to old Thornton's iuuivsts I never 
luSv s.^h* of my owu. 



D. You ha'n't no occasion to tell us that, lawyer. 

R. As our fine nephew, Harry Burleigh, was getting too smart for me, I worked 
things so, that one day the old man gave his nephew a most severe lecture and or- 
dered him out of his sight. My young emperor gets highly indignant at this, and 
packs off immediately, declaring he will never enter the old boy's presence again 
till he has earned a position by his own exertions. He's off now, somewhere, earn- 
ing a position in the rogue's gallery, I suspect. The old fellow was so sore over 
the boy's ingratitude, as he called it, that he immediately made a will, leaving two- 
thirds of his property to that girl, and the other third to me for acting as her sole 
guardian till she is twenty-one. 

D. Bully for you, lawyer ; pears to me you holds the trumps every time, and 
knows jest when to play 'em. 

B. Trumps, my eyel Some people's alius lucky. 

R. {pacing.) Lucky ? Fool ! do you think 1 didn't have to work hard for all 
this ? (C) Let me finish. This girl, Harriet, being madly in love with her sweet 
cousin, of course worked on the old man, and to such a degree that he has, this 
week, make a new will, dividing everything between those two and leaving me a 
.paltry trifle, (pacing) 

D. Blamed old mutton-head I 

B. Is the new will in the package you mentioned? 

R. It is. Meet me near the back of the big house on the hill, in an hour, and I 
will give you your final instructions, [going R.) One thing more: Old Thornton is 
building a lighthouse. When it is handed over to the authorities, my influence 
can rorke you its keepers. If you fail me, you're lost (at R) 

D. But say, lawyer, if we stay here for the lighthouse job, her nibs '11 spot us ! " 

K. Stuff! Use some of her money to buy a cake of soop. If you apply it regu- 
larly, you won't even recognise each other ! Be punctual. [Exit R. 

B. Well, this is a queer go ; what do you think on it, Dick ? 

D. Blamed if I know what to think, Bill; what do you say? 

B. Are we going to do the job ? 

D. Well, I should grin. Two hundred dollars and a lighthouse I We're settled 
for life. 

B. Yes, but recollect he ha'n't got no principle, and he knows how to keep his 
Self clear o' the law. 

D. That's so, but By Jo, pard, I've hit it J^ We'll jest freeze onto that there 

packet, and let on as we had to destroy it.j 

B. Then he won't give us nothin' ! 

D. Ob yes he will. We'll be his bosses arter to-night. 

B. Dick, you're a genus I You're a durn sight too ready wi' yer tongue, times, 
but yer smart when it comes to business, (going L.) Come on; I suppose we'll have 
to waste some money on that soap. [Exit L. 

D. (following) Lighthouse keepers, eh ? Lawyer keepers too, I guess. \Exit L. 

DRA W OFF. 

SCENE II.— Interior of Thornton's Drawing Room; Full Stage. * Handsome 
chamber, boxed. Centre door. Doors R. and L. U. E. Window (practicable) 
L.2. Bureau, with drawers, against C. of L. flat. Handsome furniture. A 
table R. 2. Lamps lighted. Eveaing party of farmers and villagers At 
rise of curtain, dance inprogresss. 
Harriet sitting, looking on, down L. Tilly and Johnny danging, then come down R 
T. Well, I guess it's time to be going" 
H. Don't hurry off, friends ; Mr. Thornton will return in a moment.* 

J. I propose 

T. Johnny I behave yourself, sir ! Propose, indeed— (aside) this isn t a barroom 
Omnks. Here's Mr. Thornton. 

Enter Thornton, C. D. Comes down C.\ 
Th. Here, how's this, friends ? What, are you all tired? You mustn't all bun- 
dle off in a hurry, just because friend Jones and his wife had to leave us. You've 
not all got families waiting at home — though I hope you will, some day. 



J. (aside io T.) D'ye hear that, Tilly ? 

T. Johnny I behave yourself, sir I (to Th.)* BgT'You sing us one of your old 
Bongs, sir, and then we must go. 

Th. Certainly I will ; anything to please you all. 

OLD MAN SPECIALTIES. 

General movement preparatory to leave-taking. -Tjj%, 

Th. Well, well; the best of friends must part. Good night, all. 
Hand shaking and departure of guests, L. U. door. Harriet accompanies Tilly to 
door ; kisses her. 

J. Me too ? 

T. Johnny ! behave yourself, sir I [Exeunt T. and J. 

H. (comes down L. C.) Now, good night, dear papa ; don't stay up long. 

Th. (takes her up L.) No, my darling, only a few moments, (at R. U. door) Good 
night ; God bless my child ! [Exit Harriet, R. U. 

Th. (turning out lights except lamp on R. table) I suppose it's natural one should 
feel doubly anxious for the success of an act of justice tardily done. I shall not 
feel safe about that will till Raynham places it in security to-morrow. I wish he'd 
come, and let me get to bed. (opens L. window. Moonlight.) How I hope I may live 
long enough to see a beam, bright as this moonlight, shining out over the sea, like 
a ray of hope for all — good and evil — on the ocean ot life, from my pet project, 
Danger Point Light ! (Partly closes window. Goes to R. table, sits. Takes roll of 
greenbacks from pocket, runs them over and places them on table.) Ah, that's Rayn- 
ham, I hope, (goes up L. Knocking at L. U. door. He goes out and returns) Come 
in, Raynham, come in. 

Enter Raynham, L. U. E. 

R. Good evening, sir. (coming down L. C.) 

Th. (coming down R. C.) My dear friend, good evening. I'm sorry you were not 
at our little party, (sits at R. table) Sit down. 

R. (sitting L. C.) I regret having lost the pleasure, sir, but I was busy at the 
lighthouse works and other matters. 

Th. Yes, I know you work too hard. But what business have we on hand now? 
I want to go to bed. 

R. There is nothing that needs detrain you, sir. 

Th. I'm glad of it. By the way, Raynham, there's that will; I shan't rest 

comfortably till that's properly settled. 

R. I'll attend to it the first thing in the morning, sir. (rises, takes chair L.) Is 
everything secure? I'll fasten this window, (arranges window.) 

Th. (bus. at table) Do, please ; I forgot it. 

R. (going up L.) Now, good night, sir, and many happy returns of the day. 

Th. {rises, goes up) Thanks, Raynham ; goodnight. 

Exit R&ynham, L. XI. door, followed by Thornton. A door slams. A chain 
rattles. Re-enter Thornton. 

Th. (coming down to table R.) Dear, how tired I am ! (takes lamp, goes up 0.) I'm 
glad to-morrow will see my mind at rest — no one knows what might happen. 

[Exit a 
Dark Strge. Window pushed cautiously open. Moonlight. 

Bill and Dick peer in. 
D. All hunk. 

B. Well, in we go— and keep your mouth shut. 
D. (enters and crosses to table) Come here, paid, (takes greenbacks.) 
B. (enter, stands near window) That a'n't the way. To the right, he said. 
D. Yes, but focus yer eyes on these elegant chromos ! (crosses to Bill.) 



* The part of Old Thornton may be doubled by Lerder, when the specialties 
can be omitted and the following line substituted for those within indices: 
We really must be going, sir. 

Then go on, as in text. 



B. Focus yer tongue, idiot, {takes money, pockets it) Here, give 'em to me, and 
attend to business. ( They go up to bureau.) 

B. Second drawer — red pocket-book Ah, here it is ! 

D. Let's make sure it's all right afore we go. (They stand up L. C, bachs to 

C. door, intent on book.) 

Enter Thornton, C. door. 

T/h. I'll take it up-stairs. (sees them) Hullo ! who are you ? Help ! Thieves ! 

Struggle. They pass him and get near window. Enter Harriet, with pistol. Runs 
to Thornton, who stands up L. C. in moonlight. Exit Dick through window. 
Bill at window. Harriet fires. .Bill turns, fires, exit. Thornton staggers 
down C. and falls. Harriet kneels and raises his head. 

H. Father! father! 

Th. Too late ! Poor boy (dies.) Harriet's head sinks. 

SLOW CURTAIN. 



AN INTERVAL OF ONE YEAR BETWEEN ACTS I. AND II. 



ACT II. — THE PURSUIT. 

SCENE II. — Garden of Danger Point House. Garden flats in 2 Arbor, with 
small table and chair, to work off at change, across L. 2 E. 

Raynham discovered, seated at R. of table, with letter. 

R. Oh, yes ; the i nportunate creditor of a year ago is the " My dear friend " of 
tb-day. Everything depends on position, (reading) "My dear friend: As my son 
Arthur will, in about a week from now, visit the east, where he is entirely unac- 
quainted, I write in advance, asking you to show him the same friendship and 
hospitality I am sure you would readily offar Yours, very truly, W. Pursful." 
H'm ! there's no choice — I'll have to welcome him. Those two villains have been 
so extravagant that I may soon have to draw on William Pursful again. Well, it 
shall all come out of Harriet's money — and I'll have to invent some reason for her. 
Here she comes now. I'll broach the subject at once 

Enter Harriet, sloivly, R 1. Raynham advances to meet her. 

R. Good morning, my dear Miss Thornton. 

H. [bowing distantly) What commands have you for me this morning, Mr. Rayn- 
ham ? 

R* Commands, my dear young lady ! ^This is unkind in the adopted daughter 
of my lamented friend. 

H. Mr. Ravnham, you scarcely contrived this meeting for the purpose of talking 
sentiment, or to indulge in contrasting me with my murdered benefactor. If you 
did, the time was exceedingly ill chosen, on this, the anniversary of that awful day 
when he poured out his life-blood in my poor arms ! (covers her face and weeps) 

R. Miss Thornton, I pity you sincerely, and have no doubt your grief is almost 
as .great as if he had indeed been your father. 

H. {aroused) He was my father, in all that paternal solicitude and kindness could 
do. — And now, enough of this. What is your business ? 

R. Well, Harriet, if my heartfelt sympathy only irritates you, I am done.' (wdlks 
L.) I wished to consult you on business scarcely suited to thts day, but of a most 
urgent character. 

H. Then tell me your wishes in as few words as possible, and omit this affect 
ation of consulting me. , 

R. As you please, (sits, tapping fingers on table) Well, then, the painful fact is, 
that Mr. Thornton was not so well off as was supposed.— In short, he left scarcely 
anything unincumbered. 

H. Well, sir ? 



8 

R, Well ! — don't you see, my young friend, that this indicates we may soon be 
penniless ? 

H. {advancing) This is, indeed, unexpected ; and I fear his indulgence of me may 
have been the cause. But I do not fear poverty — I have experienced it. 

R. Yes ; but you were a child then. You have been accustomed, for years, to a 
, life of ease. You would find the change back again very different. 

H. That may be true ; but why dwell on the inevitable ? 

R. {coming down) Because I have a plan for surmounting these difficulties, 

E. Well, sir ? Proceed. 

R. Briefly, then : Before the shocking death of Mr. Thornton, both he and my- 
self were under great business obligations to a western gentleman. I have a letter 
from him announcing a visit shortly from his son. In view of future necessity it 
would be politic to show this Arthur Pursful every consideration. 

H. Mr. Raynham, I can be of no assistance in this matter. To work out schemes 
like this would be harder to me than to face poverty, {crosses) I can only say that 
the son of my father's friend shall not find my welcome wanting. 

R. That is amply satisfactory. 

H. I suppose it isjjuseless to ask if you have heard yet of my poor cousin Harry ? 

R. Indeed I have not — nor do I expect to. [lightly) No doubt he has gained the 
high position he sought, and forgets old friends and 

H. {stamping) How dare you, sir? I cannot compel your silence, but I can re- 
fuse to listen to your sneers, [going L.) I leave you, sir, doubting it you ever made 
so good a resolution as that of my poor Harry. [Exit L. 

R. That's settled ; my little fiction was a success, [sits) Now, let me see : There 

must be a party, and 

Enter a Man Servant, R 2. 

R. Well? 

M. The two lighthouse keepers wish to see you, sir. 

R. I am very busy now, and 

Bill and Dick stroll on R. 2. Dick lounges against R. wing. Bill stands L. of Mm 

D. That's all right, 'squire; we won't detain you long, [to Man) You may 
skip, sonny. 

R. William, have my horse ready in half an hour. 

M. Yes, sir. [Exit Man, R 2 

R. You infernal idiots! Have you lost what little sense you ever had? 

B. Here — if you want to start off with hard words, we c:m 

D. Now, gentlemen ! gentlemen ! Let me settle this he re little discussion, afore 
it goes too far. Squire, what's the trouble, anyhow ? 

R. Trouble, fools! Are you not satisfied to have escaped, so far, the consequences 
of the accident of a year ago, but you must arouse suspicion i*. the mind of that 
servant by your free and easy behavior in this place? 

D. {to Rayn.) Well — how do you feel yourself, pardner, about that lucky escape ? 

B. Yes ; how does a whole year's security strike the head o' the firm o' Rayn- 
ham, Forsitt and Cowler ? 

R. {rising) Insolent vagabonds I 

B. {advancing a step) Ab, sit down ! What's the matter with yer? 

D. Now, look here, Raynie, old boy; what's the use of you a-carryin' on like 
this here ? Your safety depends on ours, and there's two of us to one of you; so 
let's get down to business, and stop foolin'. 

R. {sits) Business ! The old bnsiness, I suppose — money. 

D. Look at that, Bill ! Didn't I tell you he was a smait 'un ? You've guessed 
right the first time. 

R. Well, I have no money for you. I kept my word with you about the $200 
and the iighthouse, although you did not deliver me the pocket-book — your nat- 
ural cowardice prompting you to destroy it — but nothing satisfies you. 

D. Well, but 

B. See here ; let me have a say. Me and Dick's settled this here thing long ago, 
Raynham, and there a'n't no use o' argyin'. We're all three in one boat, and we 
all has equal rights to the profits. We distinctly told you, in the first place, as we 
didn't want to go into the business, but you forced us into it ; and though us two 



thought it best to let .you pl.y tlie gentleman here, we means to have our share of 
the plunder. Am I right , Dick ? 

D Right? Well, I should coincide! 

R. Bali ! A fiu; iur your idle threats. How much do you want this time? 

B. Fifty dollars ; and not a cent less. 

R. Fifty d.,1 ars ! 

D. You see, 'squire, there's a big harvest spree down at the village, and we want 
to be flu ii. 

R. Indeed? Wtll, all I car, spaie to-day is twenty dollars; and there they are. 

K. (fakes money) Well, we want the balance to-morrow, and no excuses. 

D Come on, B 1! ; [going R. 2) let's hurry pown to Lerder's-. [Bill follows] 
Enter Harriet, L. 1 — sees them — stops. 

R. (seeing her, rises and follows them) And be very careful to keep a good look out 

D. (seeing her) That we will, sir. My parduer an' nie's two kind christian gentle- 
men, as alius does our dooty. Good day, 'squire. [Exeunt B. and D., R. 2 
Harriet advances quickly toward R. 2. Raynham confronts her. 

H (excited) Slay! stay! V\ ho are those mm ? Call them back. 

R. Why, what's the malter, Miss Thornton? 

H. Call those men back, sir, or let me pass. 

R. Really, you surprise me ! Those gentkm- n called to see me, on business. 

H. Business! with them ! 

R. Certainly. What do you want of them. 

H. I suspect them of having robbed me and killed my benefactor ! 

R. Hn, ha ! This is too ridiculous ! 

H. Then why prevent my following them ? 

R. Because, as your guardian, I wish to prevent your making an absurd exhibi- 
tion of yourself. 

H. (attempts to pass) Stand aside, I say ; 1 will pas?. 
Raynham catches her by right arm and pushes her violently toward R. C, where she 
falls on her knees, he still holding her wrist. 

R. Come, come, my high flying charity girl ; if you can't be checked by gentle 
means, I must try force. 

H. Oh, why was I not killed also ? s 

Enter Harry— as TEDDY FLYNN— quickly, R. 1. 

Har. Hillo, hillo, here ! (seizes Rayn. and jerks him to R.^ standing between him 
and Harriet — who rises and runs off R. unperceived.) , Come out o' that, ye villain, 
ye ! and lave the poor girrul alone. 

R. What do you mean, you impudent scoundrel? How dare you intrude 

Har. Go on, now, or I'll brain ye ! 

R. (going R.) You shall repent this within ten minutes, my man. [Exit R. 1 

Har. And now, darlint (turns around — natural voice) What? Confound the 

luck ! After all my trouble, I've only succeeded in scaring poor, dear Harriet away 
and half choking that wretch Raynham. Well, there's some consolation in the 
knowledge that he deserved his part of the picnic. Poor Harriet ! It's evident I 
have not arrived too soon. Luckily, they did not recognise me. (looks R.) Here 
he comes, with assistance. I'll frighten him a little. (L. C) 

Enter Raynham, followed by Two Men, R. 1 

R. (r. c.) There is your man.. 

Har. See here, Misther Raynham, there's nothln' I'd loike betther, just now, 
than to take a shmack at your whole gang — yerself included, wid yer honor's lave ; 
but I'm thinkin' the governor 'ud object to it, and feel sorry I didn't lave him to 
settle wid ye for the way ye're thratin' me. 

R. Governor, indeed ! Who are you talking about ? 

Har. You'll know soon enough, faith, whin Misther Arthur Pursful comes to 
tache ye the way to trate his confidintial man, Teddy Flynn, so you will. 

R. (surprised) Mr. Pursful ! Did you come from him ? 

Har. Throth, I did; and I'm going back to him now. (going L.) 

R. One moment, please ; there is some mistake, (to men) You may go [men exit R 



10 

R. Why didn't you tell me this before ? 

Har. Why didn't ye ax me, instead of ihryin' to put m" in j til ? 

R My good fellow how could I know it was llr. Pu'Sfal s man who so nearly 
bhook my breath away ? 

Har. Well, why were you ill-tbiat f u' the young lady? 

R. Ha, ha, ha! Why, my dear fellow, v,e were rehearsing some little private 
theatricals for Mr. Pursful's entertainment next woek. Come in t.:e house (points 
R) and I'll explain it all and bear your message. 

Har. No, thank ye ; I'll not put a fat in that house, nor ?pake another wurd to 
ye, till Misther Pursful comes, [going L.) I'm £oiiv to stay in the village, away 
from your wicked play-actin' rehearsals, as you call 'em. \_Exii L. 

R. But, I say — look here, my friend [folloivs him off. 

BRA W OFF. 
SCENE II.— Lerder's Public Room ; Full Stage. 

c> D> _ 



Fiddlers 

/&> TABLES - — 

AND CHAIRS 

o* to§ to 



Villagers, male and female, seated at tables, laughing, playing cards, etc. Table with 
mark * empty. Lerder behind bar. Johnny waiter. 

Bill (seated at t) Say, I wonder if we can't give the old man a stand off? 
Dick (seated at §) What tor ? We've got the sug., ha'n't we ? 
B. Well, 1 know ; but bang me if it don't go ag'in me to pay for anytnin' when 
I can get it on tick. 

D. Well, that's so, too; let's try it. (knocking and calling) Johnny ! Oh, Johnny! 
J. (up R.) Coming ! coming ! 

Johnny comes to table. 
J. Well, gents, what shall it be ? 

D. Say, Johnny, fill 'em up ag'in, and stick it on the wall for a few hours. 

J. Can't do it. We've just run out of chalk, and the old man won't buy any. 

B. The diggin's he won't ! I guess our names is good at most places; eh, Dick? 

Man (at next table L. ) Oh, Johnny ! [Three people at this table.'] 

J. Coming, (about to go) 

D. Say ! are you going to set 'em up ? 

J. You'll have to tackle the boss, (goes to next table) 

Bill looks at Dick, then slowly rises and crosses to lower end of bar. 

J. (crosses to upper part of bar calling) Zwei lager und ein bretzel ! 
Bill leans on table, wailing. Johnny takes things to table. Bill and Lerder 

pantomime conversation. 

J. (at table) Your half dollar, sir ? Let's see : two beers, twenty cents ; bretzel 
five eents ; that's thirty cents ; ten cents change. Thank you, sir. 

Ler. (to Bill) Schmart poy, iss dot Shonny; undt don'd you git ofer id! 

B. Yes, but — I say (converse) 

D. (to man at J next table) I tell you Jimmy the Duffer can chew his ear off in- 
side o' ten minutes. 

Man. Pshaw ! You don't know what you're talking about. 

D. I don't, eh? (emphatically) Why, blame me, he'd conquer him and eight 
more ! 

L. Chentlemins, ve don'd allow no dispudes aboud bolidigs mit de 'ouse to-day. 

D. Politics be blowed ! We was a-talkin' about a dog fight. 

L. Veil, I heerd you say ass Blaine vould lick Conklin in eighty-four, and dey 
vass bolidigs, I guess ; vhad ? 



11 

D. Got out, you thick headed Dutchman ! I said : Blame me. he'd conquer him 
and ei^ lit more. 

L. Veil, dot iss vhad I say ! Ve dou'd vand some Blainey undt Conklin in eigh- 
ty-four to-day. 

B. Well, what do you say, Lerder? 1 

L. I tell you vhad, Mr. Four-seats ; you undt your freund, Mr. Deeks, sing some- 
di.iks t) amuse de gombany, undt I dingks him ofer. 

B. Sing be hanged ! (crossing) 

Omnes. Yes, yes; give us a song. Go it, Lights, etc. 

D. Blowed if we don't do it, pard. 

B. Well, come on; we'll have to make fools of ourselves, I suppose. 

BILL and DICK SING. Applause. They sit. Johnny brings them drinks. 

L. Now, ladies undt chentlemius, keeb id co,> ! keeb id oop ! Vhadnegst? I 
prings mine Tilly in poody'soon, to sing some dingks. 
Singing heard outside, C. 
D. Hullo ! Who's that? 
Omnes. Come in ! Come inM 

Enter Harry— as TEDDY FLYNN—C. D. 

Hah. Good day to yez, ladies an' jintlern'm. Good day, ian'lord. 

L. Goot day mit yourself, sir. 

Har. Fwat's goin' on here ? 

L. Oh, shoost a leedle vhad you call " merry ole dime." End of harvest, you see. 

Har. Oh ; that's it, is it? Well, I'd loike to take a hand at the fun myself, so I 
would. 

L. You vass a Irishman, eh ? 

Har. Was I ? Sure I'm wan yet. 

L. Veil, mine vife vass one, too. 

Har. She was one, two, eh ? And were you three, four, or nothin' at all ? 

L. Nein. 

Har. Nine ! Holy poker ! 

L. I vass a Cherman ; but mine vife, vhad iss dett, she come from Clonakakility 
— her name vass Son-of-a-gun ; you might know her? 

Har. No, I did not. I come from Carrick-ma-Clannery. 

L. Veil, she tole me Irishmens vass alvays full of singin' undt dancin' undt 

Har. Whiskey — yiss, and so they are, fwhiniver they can get it. 

L. Veil, auf you sing for the gombany I dringks mit you. 

H. All right ! Shthrike upj 

IRISH SPECIALTIES. 
After, Enter Tilly, R. 1, goes up a, little, looking at Har. . 

Har. (indicates T .) And who's the purty colleen yonther? I wance knew a nate 
I ittle gurrul, and if she was aloive now she'd be almost as charmin' as she is. 

J. (approaching him L.) Say, my friend, you're welcome to make yourself free, 
but no remarks about the ladies, please. 

T. Johnny ! behave yourself, sir ! 

Har. See here, avick. (whispers to J.) 

J. (astonished) Eh ? 

Har. There, be aisy a whoile— I want to hear the colleen sing. 

L. Ya, dot iss mine dochter. I tell you, she iss a— a— himmel ! vhad you call 
dot sewin' misheen ? 

Har. A Domestic, perhaps ? 

L. Nein. A — Singer! Ya, she voss a singer. 

Omnes. Sing,'Tilly, etc. Harry sits at * 

TILLY SINGS. 

Note. — General Spscialty Bill in this scene, according to abilities of company / John- 
ny, Lerder, etc. 



•D. Well, this lays over the spree up nt Thornton's a year age. 

J. Yes; and nothin' unpleasant likely to follow. 

B. Not unless some 'un was to go for old Lerder, thei'e, to-night. [laugh] 

L. Ach ! dundhtr ! Mr. Pill, con'd yoa talk dot fays ! 

Har Excuse me; is it tLe big Louse on the hill ye're talkin' about ? 

D. You've struck it, Mick. 

Har. Sure, I was up there a while ago, and the boss of the place came near hav- 
in' me arrested. 

B. What for? 

Har. Faith, only for givin' him a bit o' my mind. 

D. Ha, ha ! I'd like to see him arrest us. for givin' him the whole of our minds, 
eh, Rill? 

B. Cheese it, you chatterin' fool ; yer drunk, (to Har.) Did you see my lady ? 

Har. If ye mane a sweet, purty young woman, I did. 

B. Sweet, pooty gran'mother ! She's a good-for-nothin', pauperous 

Har. (jumps up and seizes him by the throat) Say another wnrd, ye blaigiard, an' 
I'll brain ye ! 

D. Now, look here, gentlemen ; let me settle this little misunderstandin' 

B. Misunderstandin', the devil I Le'go my neck, you're chokih' o' me. I didn't 
say nothin' ag'in you. 

Har. {releases him) That's all right — I'm a fool for interferin' ; but, ladies and 
jintlemin, I can't sit still and hear a woman spoken ill of behind her back, (cheers) 
As Har. crosses up R> C. Johnny comes to him. (Company play cards, etc.) 

J. Say, my friend, I'd like to have a little explanation with you. 
Har. Have ye ony little private room convaynient? 
J. Yes ; come this way. 

As they come down (award L., CLOSE IN ; and they enter directly as indicated. 
SCENE III.— Plain Interior in 1. Door L. in flat. 

Enter Har. and J., D. L. 

J. Now, then ; why did you whisper me, "If you're a friend of Harriet Thorn- 
ton, keep still" ? (L. C.) 

Har. Well, you see, I've come here to thry snd warn her agen her good-for- 
rothin' runaway lover. (R. C.) 

J. Are you talkin' about Mr. Harry Burleigh? 

Har, Throth, I am; the vill'in ! 

J. Well, then, let me tell you you've struck the wrong party. I a'n't very much 
on the fight, but I can do my best to lick any man that says a word ag'in him. 

Har. Pshaw ! I know him better than you do, and I say he's no account. 

J. And /say he's a gentleman, and I know him well. 

Har. Why, I don't believe you'd know him if you Baw him. 

J. (turn L.) Oh, come ; you're crazy ! You'd best go to Washington. 

H. (pulls off wig, etc.— natural voice) Johnny! behave yourself, sir! 

J. (turns quickly) Eh? What? Mr. Harry! Well, well! (grasps Harry's 
hand and shahes like everything.) 

Har. Come, Johnny, my boy, don't lose your head, or I fear you'll have to go to 
Washington. v 

J. Oh, but you don't know ! 

Har. Don't I? Then tell me. 

J. Why, Tilly, you know— -won't marry till Miss Harriet is happy — now you've 
come back — everything lovely ! 

Har. Yes, but there's lots to do yet. 

J. Oh, that's all right, now you're here. But how you did disguise yourself! 

Har. W T ell, you know I was always doing such things in the old days, and since 
I've been away I have made some success as an actor. 1 think ihis ixpmenie 
will aid me considerably just now. But who are those two men with whom I had 
that little fuss ? 

J. They are the lighthouse keepers. 

Har. Indeed ! And what do they know of Miss Thornton and Raynham ? 

J. I only know that Mr. Raynham got them the job. 



13 

Hab. H'm ! {suddenly) Johnny, what sort of a night do you think it will be? 

J. I'm afraid there'll be a storm. 

Har. Afraid, eh ? Speaking of Tilly— do you know she's a remarkably smart 

girl, Johnny ? 

J. You bet she is ! / know it ! 

Hab. Why, she recognised me before she'd been in the room five minutes 

J. No! 

Har. She did, though. So I think you had best go in there againj before those 
men suspeci anything, and send Tilly to me; will you ? 

J. Certainly, (going to D. L.) Well, she is a smart one ! [Exit. 

Har. They say a woman can't keep a secret ; now, / believe she can — especially 
i fit affects herself. So 1 must caution Tilly against any premature disclosures. 

Enter Tilly, D. L. 

T. Where is he ? Oh, Mr. Burleigh, I was sure it was you ! 

Har. Yes, ye-j; I know you were — hut don't let any one Lear you. 

T. Whv. is it a se^er ? Oh, how jolly ! 

Har. Yes, Tilly, it in a secret; and i want you to vindicate your sex t'y keep- 
ing it, 

T. Tlnit I will But what does it all mean, sir? 

Har. That 1 have d;s^uis?d myselt to lind my uncle's murdciers aud to get Miss 
Thornton her rights 

T. Tilsit's ju t 1 ke you, Mr. Burleigh. Can't I assist yon ? 

Hah. Thai you certainly can. Do you see Miss Thorn on oi'ten ? 

T. Yes, indeed; she goes nowhere, and I often go up to sew for her and cheer 
her up a bit. 

Har. Very well, then; you shall take her a message. I depend on your good 
sense to manage properly. 

T. You may, sir. Wh*t is the message f 

Har. I would like you to see Miss Thornton as soon as possible and tell her that 
the Irishman who protected her this morning gave you this not* for her. (giving 
note) Will jou do this ? 

T. (takes note) Gl dly, sir. 

Hab. In order that you may assist us still more, I w'll tell \o\\ that it is an ur- 
gent request to be present at the reception of Arthur Purslul, when she will hear 
great news of Harry Burleigh ; and I want you to use all your power of persuasion 
to, induce h< r to lie there. 

T. She shall be there X words ban influence her. I'll go and see her this very 
evening. 

Har. Thai k you, Tilly. Now I must leave you. (going R.) I left ray things at 
the station, so i'll cut across the fields. I don't know how soon I shall return, but 
I depend on you and Johnny. Good bye. [Exit R. 

T. (R.C.) Good luck. Hi, hi, hi! Oh, my ! isn't this lovely ! Mr. Burleigh's! 
what /call <u sensible man; he's confided his secret to me, and thus saved me the 
trouble of running around to find it out — and, perhaps, doing more harm than any 

thing else during my search. I must be off to Miss Harriet at once. But stay ! 

I wonder what he said to Johnny ? I must find that out before I go. (goes to D. 
L*, opens it a litte and calls) Johnny ! Johnny ! (<joes R. C.) 

Enter Johnny, D. L. 

J. Well ?^what is it, duckie ? Why, where's Mr: 

T. Hush !' The Irish gentleman has gone to the station, for his valise. 
J. Oh, he has, eh ? My stars', Tilly, you're a smart 'un ! Give us a kiss. 
T. Johnny ! behave yourself, sir ! 

J. Oh, well — all right. But how did you find him out ? 

T. H'm! I always recognise a handsome gentleman, when I've once seen him. 
J. Ah ! Then it would be no use for me to disguise myself. 
T. (cross) Not a bit ; I'd never know you. 
J. Eh? Er-a — I didn't exactly mean it that way. 

T. Oh, didn't you? Then why don't you try and say things the way you tf» 
mean them ? 



14 

J. Now, Tilly, what's the use in pickin' a feller up so ? — I know you're smarter 
than me. But a'n't this great news? 

T. {quietly) What? 

J. Ceesar J What ? Why, Mr. Harry's coming back means that we'll soon get 
spliced, don't it? 

T. Oh, there's plenty of time to talk about that. 

J. Is there, though ? 

T. Yes : so now tell me what Mr. Burleigh said to you. 

J. My dear, I'd like to, but it's a long story, and I'm busy. 

T. Well, why are you staying here ? Why don't you go and attend to business? 

J. Well, I'm going but, Tilly, do give me a leetle kiss, won't you ? 

T. No, sir, I will not. 

J. Well, then, I'm desp'rit. (kisses her) There ! 

T. (being kissed) Johnny ! behave yourself, sir ! (after) You old goosie ! you 
are learning at last ! — that's what you should have done long ago, instead of beg- 
ging so much, (gives him a good hug and kiss) There ! [run off L. 1 

J. Gosh hang it ! I have been a tool ! (at D. L) But I bet I'll make up for it 
arter this ! [Exit D. L. 

DRA W OFF. 

SCENE IV. — Interior of Lantern, Danger Point Light. Full Stage. Night. 
Lightning and thunder at intervals. Entrance through trap, front C. 




A lamp.] "b reflector. C entrance trap, d Harry' s place. 

Enter Harry, with valise, C. trap. 

Har. Well ; this is a strange place to find myself in, on the evening of my ar- 
rival home ! Yet everything seems to strengthen the impression made upon me by 
those two men. The place below untidy, and up here an unlighted lamp on such 
a night as this, (lightning and nearer thunder) All this, together with what they 
said, appears to indicate a secret influence over the man who placed them here — 
Raynham. It's just the night for my experiment, (opens valise, takes off his own 
coat and proceeds to make up as Old Thornton.) I've struck some queer old dressing 
rooms in one night stands, but I never had to make up on the top of a lighthouse 
before. Why, it's near enough to the sky to be a star's dressing room ! Ob, well, 
that's appropriate — I'm going to play the star part in the little drama to be per- 
formed here. I don't know exactly how I shall proceed, but must be guided by 
circumstances. If I only succeed ! Oh, if I only succeed ! (By this time he has 
made up, all except wig, which he takes in his hand.) Noise below. 

Har. There they are ! Now to be on my guard, and depend on Providence and 
justice. 

Bill and Dick talking below* 

B. (half drunk) Shut up, ye everlastin' wind-bag ! I'll go myself — ye're drunk. 

*Note— Passages in brackets to be omitted when electric light is not used, and Bill 
lights lamp as he says " Never mind ! never mind ! " 



15 

D. Now, look here, Bill, ole fell'r ; wos use 'n a genTm'n a-havin' fine feelinks 
'f you're goin' f'r to hurt 'em like this here? 

B. (nearer) Aw, cheese it, [and attend to the machine] if you can, while I go up 

Hab. {taking value up R.) I'll go out on the gallery and watch my chance. (He 
opens section at d. Wind. Goes out and puts head in, listening.) 
Enter Bill, partly up, trap C. Lightning. 

B. I'll be hanged if I a'n't sick of the whole business ! ( gets right up) 'Squire 
Raynham can sit in his study and take his ease, (goes to L. 0/ lamp) while I Bill 
Forsitt, the 'squire's boss, must poke around and attend to a blessed old lighthouse 
lamp. Never mind I never mind I (winds clockwork) 

Har. (aside) I'm sure I'm on the right track. 

[B. (calling) Here, how long are you goin' to be before you give us a light ?] 

[D. (below) Now it's comin' ; look out !] 

[B. Go ahead !] 

\_Lamp lights.~\ 

The Lamp, which faces the audience at lighting, revolves slowly (reflector also) to Lefb 
and the following speech must be timed so that the light will be about at d at its end. 
B. (L. C.) H'm! Just one year ago, to-night, since we got that bit o' paper 
out o' the house yonder, as put Raynham into our power; and if old Thornton had 
only kep' his self out o' the way, he might a-been ulive now. ( Wind) Durned ef 
ther' isa't a winder open ! I must fiix that, (crosses, between trap and lamp, to R.) 

Harry puts on wig quickly and steps forward, in lamp light. Position similar to that 
of Old Thornton in moonlight — page 7. 
B. Ah ! there it "is again ! Mercy ! Mercy ! 

Harry advances. Bill staggers backward to G Crash of thunder. Bill shrieks 
and falls through G. trap. Lamp fares audience. 

Har. (kneels C.) Merciful Providence, have me;c\ on his soul ! 
SLOW CURTAIN. 



AN INTERVAL OF ONE WEEK BETWEEN ACTS II. AND III. 



ACT III. — THE CAPTURE. 

Note. — If preferred, this scene may u be omitted, and the Act begun with Scene 2. 

SCENE I. — Kitchen at Dangbr Point House. Male and female servants busy pre- 
paring for the party. 

Cook. Well, you bet I'll be glad when it's over. I was never so hard worked in 
my life; besides the fear that something '11 get spoiled. One comfort — we don't 
often have such fandangos here. Jack, where's that high toned nigger the swell 
sent along ? 

Jack. He's gone upstairs to dress. 

C. Dress I Why he's got two hours yet. 

J. He's a-goin' out to see the village. 

0. Well, that's cool ! Wants to show his style, I suppose. 

J. Here he comes ; ask him. 

Enter Harry— as DANDY DARKY— L. U. E. 

C. My I You're fixed up ; a'n't you ? 

Har. Who? I? Why, no I I didn't bring my best clothes along, so I'll have 
to make ont with these. 

C. What a pity ! Where are you going ? 

Hab. Oh, just to take a look about. Say, are there any pretty girls around here ? 



16 

V. Plenty. But, you see 

Har. Oli, you don't understand me. I mean extra-condensed brunettes — some- 
thing- of my own style of oeauty. 

C. Why, I gue?s you'll find some. But I'm afraid you'll drive 'em crazy. 

Far. Guess you're right. I'm a masher, I am. When I give 'em a serenade, 
that settles it f 

C. Serenade! Why. you can't sing — can he? 

Omnes. No, no. 

Har. I can't, eh ? Well, get onto this. 

NEAT COLOttED SPECIALTIES. 
All stand around and applaud. At end an alarm given, and all rush to work. 
Enter "Housekeeper, R. U. E., comes half down C. 
H. Come, come ; there's too much noise down here. There's ho time now for 
singing and cutting up. 

Har. (down R.) B<g pardon, ma'am; 1 was doing the singing, to amuse our 
friends here. 

II. It doesn't matUr; they can't work and attend to monkey-shines at the same 
time. 

Har. Monkey-shines ? I said, singing. 
II Well, it's all the same. 

Har. Excuse me; I don't IftinK there arc "many monkey-shines when you're out 
of the, way. [G-neral Titter ] 

II , Ii'm ! Th-ii.k heavtn, 1 doi.'l understand negro vulgarity. Now, everyone 

run upstairs and lend a hand. [Servants and Housekeeper Exeunt R. U. E. 

Har. (natural voice) Sufe again. I've fixed everything in the room upstairs ready 

for to-night's last stroke. (cross L.) Now for victory! Victory and Harriet 

Thornton ! [Exit L. 1. 

CLOSE IN. 

SCENE TI — Horizon Flats in 2. Low set rocks against fiats, for shore. 7 Set door 
(for entrance to lighthouse), well on, across L. 2 E. Evening: 

Enter Tilly and Johnny, R. 1. 

T. Yes ; hut still I can't help .earing something may go wrong. (C.) 

J. Why, Ik w ran artyshin' go wrong with such a clever gentleman as Mr. Harry 
a-iunnin' of it? (R. C) 

T. Well, Bill might change his mind at the last moment. 

J. Nb fear; Bill a'n't no woman. 

T. Johnny, you're getting t< o smart for anything. 

J. Why, I can't help that ; it's bein' in your company so' much as does it. 

T. Oh, is it? Well, we can soon alter that. 

J. Yes; we can — but we won't. Say, Tilly, if everthing goes right, you'll 

T. [seeing door open) Hush ! Here's Dick. 

Enter Dick, at door L. 2. 

T. Good evening, Mr. Cowler. 

D. (at door) Good evenin'. Hang me ef I a'n't overcome with emotion at the 
sight o' you two lovely young critt-heis! 

J. Candy.. 

T. How is Mr. Forsilt ? 

D. Precious low, indeed Tears (o me as my poor old pard's werry nigh played 
his last card. 

T. Do you think he'll keep his piomise about to-night? 

D. Certain sure ; ef he's got a breath left in htm. 

T. Well, he's a generons fellow, after all. 

D. Generous ! \\ hy, him and me s the two most generousest cusses in this here 
country at the present date. 

J. Oh, we don't doubt that, Dick. 

D Well, now, look here : (comes doich L.) I don't b'lieve you two's as simple as 
ye look. 



it 

T. Simple I I hope I don't look like a simpleton ! 

J. I'm sure /don't. 

D. Well, we won't say nothin' about that. But what do ye mean a-talkin' 'bout 
my pardner's kindness ? 

T. Why, I think he'll be very kind if he does this, considering the state he's in. 

J. Of course ; so do I. 

D. Ah, stuff! Me an' Bill a'n't obligin' no one by what we does to-night. We're 
jest a^-goin' in for a all-fired big revenge, to satisfy ourselves — that's all about it.1 

J. I wonder if Bill 'ud like to see us? 

D. Not much, he wouldn't. Bill a'n't a-standiu' in need o' no sympathy, and 
We can take care of ourselves. Now, don't you two think as I'm rough with ye, 
'cause I don't mean to be, by no means, but we has our own ways, ye see. 

J. Course, Dick ; that's all right. 

T. Has 'Squire Raynham been here yet ? 

D. Vv ell, l should think he had ! He's been a-spendin the biggest part of his 
tinie hereabouts ; but he don't get to see Bill, though — not quite. (indicates R. 2) 
Yondef he comes now. 

T. Does he? Then we'll go. [going L. 1) Come along, Johnny. 

J. All right. So long, Dick. {Exeunt T. and J. L. 1 E 

D. 'Twouldn't ha' done no good to tell 'em my pardner's gone back on me . 
Jest because he's hurt he finds out he's got a conscience, and ups an' tells the hull 
story ! Ef he dies I s'pose they'll hahg me ; an' I can't light out nuther. Here 
comes the man as never had no conscience, (goes to door L.) 

Enter Raynham, gloomily, R. 2. 

R. Well? 

D. Well? 

R. Fow's your partner ? 

D. Which one ? 

R. Come, come" ; this is played out. 

D. You're right — it is ! 

R. Is Bill better or worse ? 

D. Worse, a blamed sight. 

R. Then I must see him. 

D. Then y <u won't see him. 

R. Tut ! this is infernal nonsense ! Can't you see that, if he's dying, it will be 
best to get him to sign a paper taking the whole of that affair of a year ago on his 
own shoulders and clearing you t 

D. Clearing me ! And how about yourself ? 

R. Fool ! 7 am safe enough. Now don't jou think it best I should see him ? 

D. No, I don't ! Your sudden interest in my welfare is trooly affectin' ; but it 
don't quite make me forgit the trouble you've took to perwent me a-runnin' away, 
— considerin' how puffickly safe you are. 

R. Now, see here 

D. It's no use a-argyin'. Ye a'n't a-goin' to see him now, and that settles it. 

R. Well, I can't waste the time to-night, but to-morrow I'll see him by means of 
a search warrant, (going R. 2) In the meantime, I'll keep you in sight. [Exit 

D. To-morrow ! To-night's to come first — and it's nigh here, too. [Exit door L 

CLOSE IN. 

SCENE III.— Same as Scene 2, Act I. Lights. Reception party. Guests stand- 

ing and sitting around, conversing. Harriet and Tilly seated down L* 

T. I'm so glad to find you here, Miss Thornton. 

H. I would prefer to be away; but my anxiety to hear of Harry prevailed. 
T. Well, don't forget, Miss that you are to wait till Mr. Pursful is ready to tell. 
H. I will do as Harry wishes ; but I am so excited ! 

T. Oh, but you mustn't let it be seen ! I get excited myself sometimes, but I 
never let Johnny know it. 

Unter Man, C. D., announcing. 
M. Mr. Arthur Pursful and Mr. Raynham. [retires 



18 

Enter Harry— a* ARTHUR PURSFUL [Swell)— and Raynham, 0, D. 

Har. Aw, good evening, ladies and gentlemen, aw ! 

Guests rise, bow, and some are introduced. 

R. (down R. C. to Har. C.) Allow me to introduce you to Miss Thornton. Miss 
Thornton — Mr. Pursful. 

Harriet rises and bows. 

Har. Aw, most happy, I assuah you. Perfectly chawmed, you know. 

H. It gives me great pleasure to meet the son of my father's old friend, sir. 

Har. Eh? Why, weally, aw; pahdon me — youah fathaw ? 

H. I always call Mr. Thornton my father. 

Har. Indeed? Deah me! this is vewy singulah ! Excuse me. (goes R.) Aw, 
Raynham, my boy. (They sit R. and converse) Guests converse. 

H. (sits, to T.) What a strange creature ! 

T. Oh, but what a stylish gentleman ! 

H. If he was not Harry's friend I should think very little of him. 

Har. Is that all right ? 

R. Certainly. Do just as you please. 
Note. — Harry speaks all the remainder of this scene with swell affectation until the de- 
nouement at the direction " natural voice." 

Har. (comes C.) Miss Thornton — ladies and gentlemen: in the part I come from 
we invented a delightful method of overcoming formality at evening parties. We 
founded a society to compel everyone to sing a song and tell a sto "y after being in- 
troduced to the company. With your permission I will conform to the rules of 
that society, of which I have the honor to be the president. 

Omnes. Good idea. The song, by all means, etc. 

Har. With pleasure. 

SWELL SPECIALTIES. 

H. Why, Mr. Pursful, you are quite a vocalist. 

Har. Ah, you flatter ! 

R. Now we'll see whether you can tell a story as well a? you can sing. 

Har. Aw, I'll try to interest you, at all events. 

Guests sit R. and L., leaving C. clear right up. 

Har As we came up here this evening I noticed a lighthouse near, and that re- 
minded me of a little romance I heard in the part I cime from. But there is one 
thing I must say first. Some persons, at the beginning, think this is going to be a 
tragedy, and others a comedy. Some laugh too soon, and others miss the place 
where the smile is situated. Now, I want to tell you that the point is right at the 
end of my story, and I hope you'll watch for it. 

R. Oh, we'll look out for the point. 

Har. That's rght, Raynham, do ; and I want you to lead the laugh when we 
get to it. 

R. That I will. 
^ Har. Very well, then. You see, in the part I came from there was an old man- 
sion, situated near a lighthouse, just as this is ; and a long time ago the owner of 
the m»nsion died, and the property was taken possession of by a swindling stran- 
ger. This rather surprised the relations, and one of them — a regular wild, good- 
for-nothing fellow— got it into his head that there had been another will, which 
was stolen and hidden in the lighthouse or somewhere. 

R. (uneasily) Pshaw ! Absurd ! 

Har. Eh? 

R. It's a mass of improbabilities. 

Har. There ; that's always the way ! Why don't you wait till you hear it all ? 

Omnes. Yes, yes ; finish it. etc. 

R. Go on ; excuse me. 

Har. Well, this fool of a fellow went poking around and getting information, 
until he stupidly thought he was a very wise person. So, one evening he goes to 
the mansion, stands before the swindling stranger, and said (facing Rayn.), " You 
are a thief and a murderer." And what do you suppose he replied ? 



19 

R. I should think he'd say, " You are mad. Where is your proof? " 
Har Exactly ; that's what he did say. Now, look out for the point. Our hero 
goes half way up the room (action) and shouts (natural voice) Come in, there ! 
Enter Lebder and Johnny carrying Bill on a bed, C. B., come L. C. half dovm. 
B. (to Har.) Here they are : my confession in full and the lost will. 
R. This is all very nice and theatrical, but who are you ? 
Har. (takes off wig or whiskers) Your fate! 
Omnes. Harry Burleigh ! 
H. (runs and embraces him) My Harry 1 
R. (down R.) Trick for trick ! (pulls pistol) 
At this moment enter Dick quickly, C. 2>., runs down R. C, calling, Where is he? 

As R ayn. shoots at Har., Dick is just batween and receives the shot. Lbr. and 

J. secure Rayn. 

D. Ha! you villain ! /shall die with my pardner Bill ; that dissolves the firm 
and you U die with a whole gallows to yourself. You always did want the whole 
of everythin'. 

A guest opens window. 

Har. Take them away, my friends. (takes Harriet up C. in light from window) 
Henceforth right and peace shall reign beneath the rays of Danger Point Light ! 

CURTAIN. 









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(w&niw 



■SSjSLgf CONGRESS 

016 102 362 ' ft 



